Meet NBFJA's New Co-Executive Director, Dr. Jasmine Ratliff

Image captured by Melissa Alexander of Phyllis Iller

Dr. Jasmine “Dr. Jas” Ratliff is an emerging leader in local food systems committed to creating community and economic development. She has spent the last five years developing research on community planning and studying the impacts of local food economy communities. Dr. Jas is currently most passionate about ensuring our communities have access to healthy and fresh foods by means of sustainable, self-determined foodways. 

As a New Orleans native, Dr. Jas has developed a unique perspective when it comes to food and the effects that it has on communities. Influenced by her experiences post-Hurricane Katrina and the current state of the food system in her community, she aspires to continue supporting local food systems work throughout her career.

Dr. Jas is the former Board of Directors President for Alabama's Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN). She focused on improving food awareness and helping to create a sustainable and just food system in Alabama. Currently, she serves on the steering committee of the New Orleans Food Policy Action Council. She assists in leading directives related to deepening relationships between policy, people, and the food they eat. 

Before taking on her current role with the National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Dr. Jas served as the Urban Resource Specialist - Workforce Development and Career Readiness Coordinator at Tuskegee University's Cooperative Extension Program. She also gained experience in human resources, data management, and community engagement and outreach in New Orleans through various organizations such as The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music and FirstLine Schools. During her time in Alabama, she worked on several notable projects, including the Tuskegee United Leadership and Innovation Program (TULIP) Community Garden and Extension Education and Research Track (EXERT) High School Competition and Grades four-nine summer camp. 

Dr. Jas has obtained a Master's Degree in Community Planning from Auburn University and a Ph.D. in Integrative Public Policy and Development from Tuskegee University. Throughout her life experiences and research, Dr. Jas has grappled with the desperate need for self-determined food systems in Black communities which has led her to become a farmer herself while also dedicating her time and energy to supporting Black cooperatives and the development of Black foodways.